Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

These spinach lasagna roll-ups are a wonderful way to transform classic comfort food into a family-friendly weeknight dinner. The creamy cheese and spinach filling wrapped in tender pasta with a rich tomato sauce offers a satisfying meal that feels special without fuss.

I first made these after craving lasagna but wanting something easier to serve and they quickly became a staple for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: enriches the sauce with a smooth base look for a fresh extra virgin variety
• Onion: provides sweetness and depth choose firm onions without soft spots
• Crushed tomatoes: ensure a bright tomato flavor opt for quality cans with no additives
• Garlic: adds a savory punch select firm cloves that give a strong aroma
• Dried basil dried oregano and dried parsley: bring the classic Italian herb flavors keep spices fresh for maximum taste
• Salt and pepper: season the dish remember to adjust gradually to your taste
• Frozen spinach: offers convenience and nutrition drain well to avoid excess liquid
• Ricotta cheese: creates the creamy filling pick whole milk ricotta if possible for richness
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully use fresh shredded for best texture
• Parmesan: adds sharpness and umami buy a wedge to grate yourself for better flavor
• Egg: binds the filling together getting a fresh egg ensures good stability
• Lasagna noodles: hold everything together use no boil noodles for shortcut or traditional cooked noodles for best texture

Instructions

Build The Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté slowly for about five to seven minutes until translucent and fragrant. This develops the base flavor so don’t rush this step. Stir in crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and parsley. Cover and let simmer gently for twenty minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.

Prepare The Noodles:

While sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain carefully and spread on a clean towel or parchment paper to cool without sticking.

Mix The Filling:

In a bowl, combine well-drained spinach, ricotta, one and a half cups mozzarella, parmesan, and egg. Mixing these ingredients well ensures even flavor and texture throughout.

Roll The Lasagna:

Lay each cooled noodle flat. Spread about a quarter cup of the cheese and spinach mixture evenly along the noodle length. Carefully roll the noodle from one end to the other making a neat tube.

Assemble The Dish:

Spread one cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan. Place each roll-up seam side down in the sauce. Spoon remaining sauce evenly over the roll-ups and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake To Perfection:

Put the dish in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden.

My favorite part is the creamy spinach and cheese filling which feels indulgent but is full of veggies. This recipe always reminds me of cozy Sundays at home when the house smelled of tomato sauce simmering for housewarming gatherings.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to four days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through to retain moisture and softness. You can also freeze individual portions tightly wrapped& thaw completely before reheating to keep the best texture.

Ingredient Swaps

Try swapping ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter filling or adding fresh herbs like basil and parsley for brightness. Ground Italian sausage or cooked mushrooms make great protein-packed alternatives to spinach. For dairy-free options use vegan cheese blends and skip the egg replacing it with a flax egg or blended tofu.

Serving Ideas

Serve these roll-ups with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up extra sauce. Pair with a chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti to balance the richness.

Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones for a quick yet satisfying dinner that feels homemade and special every time.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How should the spinach be prepared before mixing?

Ensure the spinach is fully thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture that can make the filling watery.

→ Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach should be cooked down and squeezed dry to remove extra water before mixing with the cheeses.

→ What type of noodles work best for the roll-ups?

Standard lasagna noodles that can be boiled tender and handle rolling without breaking are ideal for this dish.

→ How long should the tomato sauce simmer?

Simmer the sauce for at least 20 minutes to blend the flavors of garlic, onions, and herbs thoroughly.

→ Can the dish be prepared in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows the flavors to meld even further.